Takeda launches new presentation of Prostap

Takeda UK has announced the launch of a new presentation of Prostap, its treatment for prostate cancer in men and endometriosis and uterine fibroids in women.

The new presentation, Prostap DCS (leuprorelin acetate dual-chamber pre-filled syringe), is the only luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) delivered via a dual-chamber pre-filled syringe (DCS), offering a more simple, intuitive and efficient delivery system compared to the original Prostap vial and syringe mechanism, says the firm.

By reducing the amount of time taken to prepare the device, the Prostap DCS mechanism frees up health care professionals so that they have more patient-facing time, it adds.

The new presentation delivers the same active ingredient contained within the original product and provides well-documented, long-term efficacy and survival outcomes in all states of prostate cancer, Takeda notes. Prostap DCS will be available in the same doses as existing presentations - one-month Prostap SR DCS (leuprorelin acetate depot injection 3.75mg) and three-month Prostap 3 DCS (leuprorelin acetate depot injection 11.25mg).

The company emphasises that, to ensure patients receive Prostap DCS as prescribed, it is necessary to reflect this change of name on prescriptions with immediate effect so that they will receive continuous treatment, as the current presentations of the product will not be available after October 2011.

Prostap was discovered and developed in the 1970s, and has "proved to be an efficacious treatment for prostate cancer for many years," comments Raj Persad, consultant urologist at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Southmead Hospital.

"An accurate and user-friendly delivery system can only be a positive step forward, particularly as administration is more efficient and therefore saves time. This can result in a better standard of care for patients, as more time is spent providing much-needed support and advice," he adds.